For years, fans like myself often had issues with the fact the Tampa media cozied up to George Steinbrenner. Not just Steinbrenner but the Yankee organization as a whole. So this begs the question with his passing: as fans, why are we doing the exact same thing -- giving more press than local fans think necessary -- as the local media?
In a sports perspective, it's a national story not just because Steinbrenner owned one of the most storied franchises in America. It's because of his influence on Pro-sports as a whole, his bluster and "whatever it takes" mentality of chasing marquee players and offering huge contracts to them. It's changed the sports landscape entirely.
Then there's the Tampa angle. It's his adopted home. Just like Ted Williams adopted home was in Hernando county. Steinbrenner was actively part of the community with different philanthropy projects... Oh, and relocating his ballclub's spring training to the city, which helps generate millions of dollars for the local economy.
It's hard not to acknowledge the late Boss on a Tampa Bay sports web site. Even though the Rays are the area's team, Steinbrenner was one of the original big-shot sports characters of the region.